GPs now have access to a new tool to help recognise the early symptoms of cancer, it has been announced.

The online tool is called GatewayC. In early adopters, it has already led to improved identification of patients who require urgent investigation by a specialist, according to its developers.

It was designed because cancer patients are about three times more likely to survive if they are diagnosed early, but at present, a quarter of patients see their GP three or more times before being referred to a consultant.

The tool is described as an online cancer education platform for GPs, practice nurses and other primary care professionals. It was developed and funded by a team at the Greater Manchester Cancer Vanguard Programme at The Christie Hospital, Manchester, as an NHS England ‘New Care Model’.

In 2017, GatewayC was successfully piloted in Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire. The developers say: “Objective evidence showed changes in confidence and ability to apply NICE guidance”. It is now being launched across England.

Laura Roberts of Health Education England commented: “Cancer survival is the best it has ever been, with thousands more people now surviving cancer every year. The NHS Long Term Plan makes clear, however, that one of the most important actions the NHS can take to further improve survival is earlier diagnosis.

We are very pleased to be working with GatewayC on the development and rollout of this new tool and believe it will help to support GPs and primary care staff to develop their skills and knowledge in this crucial area and help to improve cancer survival.”

Dr Catherine Heaven, associate director of education at The Christie School of Oncology, said: “GatewayC was developed to empower primary care staff with good-quality, evidence-based, and behaviour-changing education, in a form they can easily access. We are delighted that Health Education England has recognised GatewayC as part of the solution in changing cancer outcomes by funding the tool for every cancer professional across NHS England.”